CBPS Compliance Services Washington | Avoid Penalties
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Greenhouse Gas IN WASHINGTON STATE
In Washington State, large commercial and industrial facilities meeting GHG thresholds must report their emissions annually. Deadlines for the first submissions are approaching.
wHAT IS GHG?
GHG stands for Greenhouse Gas. Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere that absorb and emit heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect, which warms the Earth’s surface.
While the greenhouse effect is a natural process that makes Earth habitable, increased concentrations of GHGs from human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, have intensified this effect, leading to global warming and climate change.
Key characteristics of greenhouse gases
Heat absorption
GHGs trap heat by absorbing infrared radiation that the Earth radiates after being warmed by the sun.
Contribution to global warming
This heat-trapping ability leads to a net increase in the Earth’s atmospheric temperature.
Common examples:
Major greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
Common examples:
Major greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
Human influence:
Fossil fuels:
The primary source of increased GHG emissions is the burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation.
The primary source of increased GHG emissions is the burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation.
Services Integration
Mandatory GHG Reporting:
The updated 173-441 WAC establishes Washington State’s mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting requirements. Reporters who are required to report their GHG emissions to Ecology include:
Facilities that emit at least 10,000 metric tons CO2e per year,
Suppliers of natural gas or other fuels that provide products within Washington in quantities that when combusted or oxidized completely, emit greenhouse gases equivalent to at least 10,000 metric tons CO2e per year, or
Electric power entities that deliver electricity within Washington whose production resulted in at least 10,000 metric tons CO2e per year.
Reporting requirements
5 consecutive years
Reported emissions are less than 10,000 MT CO2e for 5 consecutive years
3 consecutive years
Reported emissions are less than 5,000 MT CO2e for 3 consecutive years
Operations cease
Operations permanently stop, or the facility is closed and no longer produces emissions
Greenhouse Gases to be reported
Types of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) Required for Reporting:
- CO2 including Biogenic CO2.
- CH4
- N2O
- Fugitive releases of GHG emissions from biomass
- Hydrofluorocarbons and Perfluorocarbons
- Sulfur hexafluoride
- For electronics manufacturing: fluorinated heat transfer fluid
There are no de minimis emissions categories.
Washington State GHG Reporting FAQ
Who must report GHG emissions?
Large commercial, industrial, and certain manufacturing facilities that meet state-defined GHG thresholds must report their annual emissions to the Department of Ecology.
What greenhouse gases need to be reported?
- Carbon dioxide (CO2), including biogenic CO2
- Methane (CH4)
- Nitrous oxide (N2O)
- Fugitive emissions from biomass
- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
- Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
- Fluorinated heat transfer fluids (for electronics manufacturing)
When is the first reporting deadline?
Deadlines vary by facility type and size; first compliance deadlines are approaching soon. Check the Department of Ecology’s GHG Reporting Portal for specific dates.
How should emissions be calculated?
Emissions must be calculated according to the Washington State GHG Reporting Rule, using approved calculation methods or emission factors.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Facilities that fail to report accurately or on time may face fines and enforcement actions under state environmental regulations.
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Energy audit compliance in Washington isn’t just a legal requirement – it’s a strategic move to improve efficiency and reduce costs. We’ll guide you through every step: conducting ASHRAE-compliant audits, analyzing energy performance, developing actionable plans, and submitting all required documentation to the state.
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